Probing dual harm and non-violent misconduct among imprisoned adult men in Northern Ireland

Purpose

This study examines the prevalence of dual harm (i.e. self-harm and violence) among imprisoned adult men in Northern Ireland, the relationship between dual harm and non-violent misconduct, while controlling for other known risk factors for misconduct, as well as how those who engage in dual harm may differ from other groups.

Methods

Using the administrative records of 892 adult men, descriptive statistics assessed the prevalence of dual harm. A negative binominal regression followed by predicted margins examined the relationship between dual harm and non-violent misconduct accounting for controls. Additionally, a multinomial logistic regression was utilised to identify if those engaged in dual harm differed from others in terms of their characteristics and in-prison experiences.

Results

The findings indicate that 1-in-5 adult men were engaged in dual harm, with these men accounting for 72% of all non-violent misconduct incidents examined. Dual harm was significantly related to an increased involvement in non-violent misconduct compared to other harm histories (self-harm only, violence only, or no harm) even when other known risk factors were considered. Those engaged in dual harm were also discovered to possess a number of characteristics that differ significantly from other groups.

Conclusion

These findings strengthen emerging research indicating those who engage in dual harm are a distinct group that can be challenging to manage due to their increased involvement in misconduct and their multiple needs, which existing services and supports may be ill suited to address.